The Shocking Murder of Jake Merendino: Where Is David Meza Now?
In May 2015, the brutal murder of millionaire Jake Merendino stunned both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. What began as a romance between Merendino and young escort David Meza spiraled into a deadly plot driven by greed.
Now, years later, the true crime story is gaining new attention through Investigation Discovery’s Fatal Destination. This article examines the unfolding relationship, the chilling crime, the court’s verdict, and where Meza is currently serving his sentence.
A Millionaire’s Tragic End In Baja California
Jake Clyde Merendino, born September 22, 1963, grew up loved and well-off in Beaumont, Texas. An adventurous spirit, he traveled frequently and lived life to the fullest. In 2013, Jake met 25-year-old David Enrique Meza through an online escort ad. Their relationship blossomed, though few knew of it.
By 2015, the two visited Baja California to finalize Jake’s purchase of a luxury $300,000 beachfront condo. On May 2, Jake’s body was found in a ravine with 24 stab wounds and a slashed throat. The violent killing shocked the community and launched an intense investigation.
A Double Life And A Deadly Motive
Investigators soon learned Meza led a double life. While dating Jake, Meza was also in a long-term relationship with Taylor Marie Langston, who was pregnant at the time of their relationship. Federal prosecutors argued that Meza plotted to kill Jake to claim his property and wealth.
A handwritten will surfaced after the murder, naming Meza as the sole heir. Surveillance footage, phone data, and other evidence revealed Meza lured Jake from their hotel with a false story about a stranded car. The crime was calculated, driven by greed, and carefully planned.
Wealthy man killed in Mexico after naming San Diego suspect as heir, FBI says: https://t.co/iMk54k5uxq pic.twitter.com/D228KKSEJ5
— NBC 7 San Diego (@nbcsandiego) December 24, 2015
How The Investigation Unraveled The Truth
Meza and Langston initially told investigators they had visited a friend in Tijuana during the time of the murder. However, this alibi quickly fell apart. The friend confirmed they had not seen the couple for more than a year.
More damning evidence emerged: stolen valuables, the forged will, and text messages between Meza and Langston discussing the murder. In one chilling message, Meza confessed feeling consumed by guilt, stating, “I had a choice, but I did it because I wanted to, for my family.”
A Dramatic Trial And A Life Sentence
In May 2017, after a gripping two-week trial, a federal jury found David Meza guilty of interstate or foreign domestic violence resulting in death and conspiracy to obstruct justice. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller called the murder an “inhumane, depraved act” and sentenced Meza to life in prison without parole.
Langston, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for lying to authorities. She served time but was not charged with murder due to insufficient evidence directly tying her to the crime scene.
Where is David Meza now?
As of June 2025, David Meza remains incarcerated in a federal prison, serving a life sentence with no chance of parole. Records confirm that Meza’s appeals have been denied, and there are no current changes to his conviction or sentence.
The chilling case continues to draw public interest, especially with the premiere of Fatal Destination on Investigation Discovery, revisiting the tragic story and the calculated betrayal that led to Jake Merendino’s death.
Final Words:
The tragic murder of Jake Merendino highlights how love, greed, and deception can intersect with fatal consequences. David Meza’s double life and cold-blooded crime shattered lives and left a lasting scar on both families. Today, as Meza serves his life sentence, the case remains a cautionary tale of hidden motives and betrayal.
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